Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh 1st T20I 2025 – Full Match Preview, Squad & Streaming Guide

The eagerly awaited opening match of the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh T20I series happens at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy on 10 July 2025. With both teams looking to generate some momentum with three matches to come, here is your comprehensive guide—outlining key players, match predictions and streaming options to get you match-ready.

Match & Series Preview

Following their battles in Tests and ODIs, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh turn their attention to the shorter format. The 1st T20I will begin at 7 PM IST / 5:30 PM BST, with both teams level at one win each across other formats. Sri Lanka is ahead 11–6 in T20I head-to-heads and swept Bangladesh in their last home T20 bilateral series.

Squads & Selection Insight

Sri Lanka (likely XI)

• Openers: Pathum Nissanka and Lasith Croospulle — aggressive hitters with experience in the Lanka Premier League and 2023 debut exposure.
   
• Middle-order: Janith Liyanage brings power, while Wanindu Hasaranga offers finishing spin, likely supported by Dhananjaya de Silva.
   
• All-rounders: Dhananjaya—cross-format experience; Charith Asalanka adds middle-order stability.
   
• Bowlers: Hasaranga leads the spin attack; pace backed by Asitha Fernando or other expatriates aiming to exploit Kandy's bounce.

Bangladesh (likely XI)

• Openers: Mohammad Naim and Parvez Hossain Emon.
   
• Middle-order: Litton Das and Tanzid Hasan anchoring with potential flares.
   
• Death bowlers/spinners: Mahedi Hasan Miraz, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Rishad Hossain-Bangladesh, holder of the 2024 T20 World Cup record wicket-taker- ready to provide the mid-overs strike.
   
• Pace: Mohammad Saifuddin handles new ball duties; Tanzid Hasan is backup.

Key Battles to Watch

1. SL Openers vs BD Pace: Can Naim and Emon handle Nissanka’s pace and bounce-based bowling?
    
2. Spin duel mid-overs: Wanindu vs Miraz—both all-rounders will vie for middle-over control.
    
3. Death overs: Hasaranga’s leg-spin against Bangladesh’s finishing masters.
    
4. Powerplay intensities: Whether Sri Lanka can leverage pacers to stifle Bangladesh’s strong hitting top-order.

Streaming & Broadcasting Guide

• Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal – tapmad: high definition streaming with local commentary and flexible packages.
   
• India – Sony LIV and FanCode covering the entire tour
   
• UK & Ireland – Sky Sports/BT Sport via Now TV and Sky Go.
   
• USA & Canada – Willow TV, Sling TV bundles supported by ESPN+.
   
• Australia/NZ – Fox Cricket, Kayo Sports, ESPN Australia.
   
• Africa (sub-Saharan) – SuperSport via DStv.
   
• Global fans – ICC.tv now includes select T20 content, VPN suggested for geo-blocked access tools

Match Predictions & Player Watchlist

Sri Lanka to shine: Home advantage gives them the edge. Nissanka, Hasaranga, and Dhananjaya could dominate.

Bangladesh's Interesting Aspects: Bangladesh's spin ability and middle-order finishing ability- particularly Rishad Hossain and Miraz- could be significant threats.

One side seems likely to have a top-order collapse; expect both sides to finish with big, high-scoring performances, with both teams in total near 170+.

Pre-match Checklist

• Install your regional or VPN-enabled streaming apps.
   
• Final squads and toss updates are confirmed pre-game; adjust fantasy picks accordingly.
   
• Monitor pitch and weather — Kandy usually supports spin mid-match, but wipeouts can occur under lights.